Conceptual design of a small production plant for eco-friendly packaging
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 21 July 2022
Issue publication date: 14 June 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the application of a tailored systematic engineering design procedure to the concept design of a small production plant for compostable packaging made by straw fibres and bioplastic. In particular, the obtained boxes are intended to be used for wine bottles.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic procedure has been adopted, which underpins on a comprehensive analysis of the design requirements and the function modelling of the process. By considering well-known models of the engineering design process, the work focuses on the early design stages that precede the embodiment design of the whole components of the plant.
Findings
The followed design approach allowed to preliminarily evaluate different alternatives of the process from a functional point of view, thus allowing to identify the preferred conceptual process solution. Based on the identified functional sequence, a first evaluation of the potential productivity and the required human resources has been performed.
Research limitations/implications
The procedure shown in this work has been applied only for the considered case of compostable packaging, and other applications are needed to optimize it. Nevertheless, the adopted systematic approach can be adapted for any context where it is necessary to conceive a new production plant for artefacts made by innovative materials.
Originality/value
The work presented in this paper represents one of the few practical examples available in the literature where systematic conceptual design procedures are presented. More specifically, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the very first application of systematic design methods to compostable packaging production.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: The research has been supported by the contribution of Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Pistoia e Pescia to the Project “VAL.BIO.MONT.- Valorizzazione delle biomasse di scarto sul territorio montano” (Prot. n.2021.0282bl) for the funding of a 12-months research grant.
Citation
Fiorineschi, L., Conti, L., Rossi, G. and Rotini, F. (2024), "Conceptual design of a small production plant for eco-friendly packaging", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 1257-1281. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-02-2022-0118
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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